The West Bengal government has issued its 2026 holiday calendar, offering state employees more than 150 total off days, including weekends. The biggest break comes in October, when employees will enjoy a 12-day Durga Puja vacation, which merges into the Lakshmi Puja holiday.
According to the Finance Department, Durga Puja holidays will run from 15 to 17 October, aligning with Chaturthi to Sashthi, followed by a Sunday on 18 October. The festive break continues with Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami from 19 to 21 October.
November also features over ten off days, including Kali Puja and Chhath.
In total, employees will receive 27 holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act plus 26 state-declared holidays, making 53 government holidays. When combined with 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays, employees will get 104 weekend offs, resulting in more than 150 off days—meaning they will not work for 43% of the year.
Additionally, members of the Santhal community will get 30 June off for Hul Dibas.
